Hello Howards,
We are so sad to hear your news. We have been terrible about staying in touch. Last year my electronic daytimer and my hard drive packed it in within 24 hours, which made it even worse, because I lost what few phone numbers we had. We are well and still enjoying living in Calgary. Emily (20) is now at San Francisco Conservatory of Music studying violin. We are mystified as to where the interest in music came from. Maybe it is just her way of marking out her territory completely separate from John and me, but she has been very firm since she was four that this is what she wants to do. Beth (17) spent grade 11 attending a public school in Spain. It was the best thing we ever did for her. She came home completely fluent in Spanish and finished two years of high school in one year. She is now living in Vancouver and trying to decide what she wants to do for university. We had a lot of medical problems with Beth when she was little. We almost lost her twice and spent much of her first three years in Children's hospital. Those early years seem to have given her a fierce sense of independence, which is now serving her well, but made for some difficult times as a parent. Meghan (15) is still at home. I suspect that she will go pretty much the same route as Emily, as she is very committed to her viollin. Both she and Emily have had some wonderful opportunities to travel the world through their music. Because of the travelling and competitions Emily was and Meghan still is home-schooled. Beth also found she could accelerate through home-schooling, so she finished high school through a home-schooling program. Jason (11) is into hockey. I never thought I would become a hockey mom, but it does keep him motivated with respect to schoolwork and other commitments. He plays goalie, but is always the smallest on his team. There is not much going for him in his genes.
John and I started our own company 21 years ago when Petro-Canada shut down their research lab. It was a blessing in disguise. John is much happier and I have flexibility wrt to working hours. For many years we specialized in addressing plugging deposit problems in the upsteam oilfield -- wax, asphaltenes, scale, hydrates. In the lean times, John started following his passion, which is inventing things. We have a lab in a warehouse bay. I even got my Class 3 air brakes card, so I could drive the heavy trucks to field trials. We have always joked that we could drive 18 wheelers if the company doesn't work out. John is now deeply involved in a solvent process for the tar sands. Our consulting business has pretty much shut down. I don't know where we will be if this latest project does not pan out. I do all the administration for the company and chase kids. With John's heavy commitment to work, Beth's medical problems, and four kids, I have really cut back on my engineering hours, but maybe that will change in the future. John is thoroughly enjoying this latest project and will talk your ear off, if given the chance.
We would very much like to hear from you, if you feel up to it. Our thoughts are very much with you.
Wishing you all the best from your former students and fellow Kentuckian,
Gina and John Nenniger
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Don Anthony Wishes
Dear Carolyn and Jack,
Phil Westmoreland passed on the information about Jack’s diagnosis. I was very sorry to hear about it but in reading your web blog, it is apparent that you are handling the situation extremely well. Our prayers are with you both.
By the way, Happy Birthday, Jack. Phil mentioned that this would be number 70.
Darla and I are living in North Venice, Florida, on a golf course with tennis courts just down the street. The beach is 10 minutes away. Given these surroundings, you might surmise that I have retired and that was certainly the plan. However, the doctoral thesis that I did working for Jack intervened and it now looks like retirement is a few years away.
Three years I got a call from three young entrepreneurs who were actually reading my MIT dissertation. They were planning to start a business based on catalytic coal gasification to synthetic natural gas and were looking for advisors who knew something about it. I agreed to give them some free advice based on my technical and business background, fully anticipating when they realized the magnitude of the undertaking that they would give up and do something else. A year later, they secured their first venture capital funding and formally founded a new company called Great Point Energy. I was invited to join their board. This summer after securing a second round of venture capital funds and getting Citibank and Dow Chemical to lead a third round of funding, I agreed to join full time as their chief technology officer. The company has just raised another $100 million and is now proceeding to build a demonstration plant.
Jack, this company and its technology is, in essence, based on the observation that you and Hoyt Hottel made in your 1970 book, New Energy Technology, that the best way to make synthetic natural gas from coal would be to find a catalyst that allowed low temperature operation. By the way, my “dog-eared” copy of your book is still the most useful reference book on the subject.
I do get to Cambridge from time to time and would love to stop by and chat if you are up for it.
Again, our prayers are with you.
Don Anthony
Donald B. Anthony, Sc.D.
Chief Technology Officer
Great Point Energy, Inc.
Cell phone 1: 617-821-1097
Cell phone 2: 216-396-8664
Email: danthony@greatpointenergy.com
This e-mail may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient (or have received this email in error) please notify the sender immediately and destroy this email. Any unauthorized copying, disclosure or distribution of the material in this email is strictly prohibited.
Phil Westmoreland passed on the information about Jack’s diagnosis. I was very sorry to hear about it but in reading your web blog, it is apparent that you are handling the situation extremely well. Our prayers are with you both.
By the way, Happy Birthday, Jack. Phil mentioned that this would be number 70.
Darla and I are living in North Venice, Florida, on a golf course with tennis courts just down the street. The beach is 10 minutes away. Given these surroundings, you might surmise that I have retired and that was certainly the plan. However, the doctoral thesis that I did working for Jack intervened and it now looks like retirement is a few years away.
Three years I got a call from three young entrepreneurs who were actually reading my MIT dissertation. They were planning to start a business based on catalytic coal gasification to synthetic natural gas and were looking for advisors who knew something about it. I agreed to give them some free advice based on my technical and business background, fully anticipating when they realized the magnitude of the undertaking that they would give up and do something else. A year later, they secured their first venture capital funding and formally founded a new company called Great Point Energy. I was invited to join their board. This summer after securing a second round of venture capital funds and getting Citibank and Dow Chemical to lead a third round of funding, I agreed to join full time as their chief technology officer. The company has just raised another $100 million and is now proceeding to build a demonstration plant.
Jack, this company and its technology is, in essence, based on the observation that you and Hoyt Hottel made in your 1970 book, New Energy Technology, that the best way to make synthetic natural gas from coal would be to find a catalyst that allowed low temperature operation. By the way, my “dog-eared” copy of your book is still the most useful reference book on the subject.
I do get to Cambridge from time to time and would love to stop by and chat if you are up for it.
Again, our prayers are with you.
Don Anthony
Donald B. Anthony, Sc.D.
Chief Technology Officer
Great Point Energy, Inc.
Cell phone 1: 617-821-1097
Cell phone 2: 216-396-8664
Email: danthony@greatpointenergy.com
This e-mail may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient (or have received this email in error) please notify the sender immediately and destroy this email. Any unauthorized copying, disclosure or distribution of the material in this email is strictly prohibited.
Brian Haynes - President of Combustion Institute
The Combustion Institute
5001 Baum Boulevard, Suite 635
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-1851 USA
Telephone: (412)687-1366 Fax: (412)687-0340
Email: office@combustioninstitute.org
October 16th, 2007
Professor Jack B. Howard
CI_logo_hires24 Central St
Winchester, MA 01890-2630
USA
Dear Jack,
I was very sorry to learn of your illness, but heartened to be able to follow your progress and the family’s exploits behind it on the blog. Having Caroline on the case must encourage the medical teams to perform at their very best, for which we are all thankful.
It has been my pleasure over the past few years as President of the Combustion Institute to be able to honour some of the most illustrious members of our community at the time of their significant birthdays. Now with your 70th, I am able to do that truly from the heart because I have known your work and you personally now for more than 30 years. You and Carolyn showed me and Gillian great hospitality when I was at MIT from 1979-1981, at a time when we were starting our own family. While you and I did not work directly together, I learned first-hand of your unfailingly gentlemanly nature and scholarly disposition.
Your work in coal and other carbons, ranging from soot to fullerene, stands out for its breadth and depth. You provided insights into the processing of coal to produce gases and liquids that were at the forefront in the 1970’s and 1980’s and still today have special significance as the world grapples with the problem of energy supply, in which coal will continue to play a major role. Similarly, your work on active sites in carbon reactions set the scene for much of the work that has followed.
As a senior member of the Combustion Institute, you have given your time and your wise counsel to promoting the interests of the Institute and the community it represents, including being a Board Member from 1994-2006. You have been accorded every scientific honour and responsibility that our Institute can bestow:
- Symposium Program Chair, 19th Symposium, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel in 1982. - Silver Medal, at the 20th Symposium, University of Michigan (1984), for the paper with Jim Bittner entitled “Mechanisms of hydrocarbon decay in fuel-rich secondary reaction zones.” - Bernard Lewis Gold Medal, at the 24th Symposium, University of Sydney “for the kinetics of soot formation and coal pyrolysis”. - Symposium plenary lecture: 23rd Symposium, University of Orléans, France (1992) “Carbon additions and oxidation reactions in heterogeneous combustion and soot formation”.
You are one of the greats of modern combustion research. Your contributions have been immense and the legacy of your work will endure for many years. We are indebted to you.
I wish you all the best today on the occasion of your 70th birthday. While I am sure you will be spending the day quietly with your fantastic family, I know I speak for many in the combustion community when I
bsh signatureemphasise how much we have to celebrate on this occasion. Our thoughts are with you and Carolyn, Courtenay and Jonathon.
Yours sincerely
Brian S. Haynes
President
5001 Baum Boulevard, Suite 635
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-1851 USA
Telephone: (412)687-1366 Fax: (412)687-0340
Email: office@combustioninstitute.org
October 16th, 2007
Professor Jack B. Howard
CI_logo_hires24 Central St
Winchester, MA 01890-2630
USA
Dear Jack,
I was very sorry to learn of your illness, but heartened to be able to follow your progress and the family’s exploits behind it on the blog. Having Caroline on the case must encourage the medical teams to perform at their very best, for which we are all thankful.
It has been my pleasure over the past few years as President of the Combustion Institute to be able to honour some of the most illustrious members of our community at the time of their significant birthdays. Now with your 70th, I am able to do that truly from the heart because I have known your work and you personally now for more than 30 years. You and Carolyn showed me and Gillian great hospitality when I was at MIT from 1979-1981, at a time when we were starting our own family. While you and I did not work directly together, I learned first-hand of your unfailingly gentlemanly nature and scholarly disposition.
Your work in coal and other carbons, ranging from soot to fullerene, stands out for its breadth and depth. You provided insights into the processing of coal to produce gases and liquids that were at the forefront in the 1970’s and 1980’s and still today have special significance as the world grapples with the problem of energy supply, in which coal will continue to play a major role. Similarly, your work on active sites in carbon reactions set the scene for much of the work that has followed.
As a senior member of the Combustion Institute, you have given your time and your wise counsel to promoting the interests of the Institute and the community it represents, including being a Board Member from 1994-2006. You have been accorded every scientific honour and responsibility that our Institute can bestow:
- Symposium Program Chair, 19th Symposium, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel in 1982. - Silver Medal, at the 20th Symposium, University of Michigan (1984), for the paper with Jim Bittner entitled “Mechanisms of hydrocarbon decay in fuel-rich secondary reaction zones.” - Bernard Lewis Gold Medal, at the 24th Symposium, University of Sydney “for the kinetics of soot formation and coal pyrolysis”. - Symposium plenary lecture: 23rd Symposium, University of Orléans, France (1992) “Carbon additions and oxidation reactions in heterogeneous combustion and soot formation”.
You are one of the greats of modern combustion research. Your contributions have been immense and the legacy of your work will endure for many years. We are indebted to you.
I wish you all the best today on the occasion of your 70th birthday. While I am sure you will be spending the day quietly with your fantastic family, I know I speak for many in the combustion community when I
bsh signatureemphasise how much we have to celebrate on this occasion. Our thoughts are with you and Carolyn, Courtenay and Jonathon.
Yours sincerely
Brian S. Haynes
President
Phil Westmoreland Wishes
Dear Jack,
Even in this difficult time, I hope you have a particularly happy birthday as we, your friends and family, draw closely around you in spirit - as we have long been. As the notes you've received surely remind you, we respect you, we honor you, and we send our deep abiding affection and love to you..Phil-- Prof. Phillip R. WestmorelandDept of Chemical Engineering, Univ of Massachusetts Amherst157A Goessmann; 686 N Pleasant; Amherst MA 01003-9303413-545-1750 (Sect'y at -2507), eFAX 775-254-2509http://www.ecs.umass.edu/che/faculty/westmoreland.html[July 06-June 08:Program Director for Combustion, Fire, and Plasma SystemsNational Science Foundation4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA 22230703-292-8371; FAX 703-292-9054 ]
Even in this difficult time, I hope you have a particularly happy birthday as we, your friends and family, draw closely around you in spirit - as we have long been. As the notes you've received surely remind you, we respect you, we honor you, and we send our deep abiding affection and love to you..Phil-- Prof. Phillip R. WestmorelandDept of Chemical Engineering, Univ of Massachusetts Amherst157A Goessmann; 686 N Pleasant; Amherst MA 01003-9303413-545-1750 (Sect'y at -2507), eFAX 775-254-2509http://www.ecs.umass.edu/che/faculty/westmoreland.html[July 06-June 08:Program Director for Combustion, Fire, and Plasma SystemsNational Science Foundation4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA 22230703-292-8371; FAX 703-292-9054 ]
Bill Grieco Birthday wishesJack-
Jack-Happy 70th Birthday! Know that we are thinking of you often these days and wishing you a speedy recovery. We've been keeping up with your treatment progress and with the family happenings on the blog that Carolyn is maintaining. Thanks for sharing the stories. The heartfelt wishes from friends, colleagues, and students are very well deserved.I'm glad to see that Jonathan and Megan will be returning to stay in Boston.Having all of your family close by will surely be a great help in your recovery.Thanks for your support and help over the years. You've been a great role model and positive influence for all of us who were fortunate to work with you. Happy Birthday!Take care,Bill, Tonya, and Sophia Grieco
October 28, 2007
UPDATE
Here we are with 2 days and counting until we are coming to the completion of our daily treks into the radiation lab at MGH. When we were first told of the need for these trips, my mind couldn’t imagine the challenge of that daily experience. Now that it is coming to an end, I still cannot imagine the challenge of that daily experience. I knew it would be tiring; I just didn’t know how tiring. It is also amazing how long it takes to adjust to a different pattern in your life. We continue to be most thankful that Jack has tolerated the treatment so well. He never experienced nausea with the chemotherapy. He has experienced fatigue with the radiation but only a 1-2 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the most fatigue. The Lord has so patiently and tenderly carried us through the first phase of treatment. It makes us so know that He is the potter and we are the clay. Isaiah 64:8 – “Yet O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” We are so indebted to His mercy.
We met with the radiologist, Dr. Shih, on Friday. She informed us that it is likely that Jack will continue to deteriorate over the next 2-3 months due to the radiation effects. As I mentioned in the last update, it is likely that his next scan will also look worse due to the inflammation to the blood vessels from the radiation. She also told us that it will likely be months before we know the true effect of the initial treatment. On November 16, he will have his first scan since his treatment began. We also meet with the Lahey Clinic medical team that day to outline the next phase of treatment. It will likely be 5 days/month of the chemotherapy that he is currently taking except it will be a much stronger dose. Generally, this regime will last for 6 months as long as he tolerates it and then another evaluation will be completed to determine Phase 3.
Since Jack has tolerated all of his medications so well and his treatment has progressed so smoothly, we have eliminated certain medications since early onset of treatment. We are now reducing the steroid that reduces the swelling. All of these medications have side effects. It is like a domino effect. One medication is prescribed to reduce swelling (steroid). Another treatment is prescribed to prevent bone erosion due to the steroid, etc. It takes 10 minutes each morning to organize all of these pills for the day. Amazing!
Jack continues to maintain his sense of humor. For those of you that don’t realize this about Jack, he loves coffee, especially espresso. I think we have tried the world’s espresso makers. When we have traveled in Europe, one of our many shopping experiences usually involves a trip to a coffee store that sells coffee makers. Since Jack became ill, I got him a machine that I just fill with water. He opens the handle, drops in the little cup that contains the coffee grounds, hits a button, and viola – coffee!!! One morning recently, I was adjusting his arm sling (prevents hand swelling due to the arm not moving) and he informed me that his coffee has gotten a little cooled off (Jack also likes extremely hot coffee). He requested that I heat his coffee for 20 seconds in the microwave. As I was doing this, I told him that if he did not survive this tumor that I was burying him with some coffee – he immediately responded by saying, “make it espresso”!!!
Thankfully and joyfully, Jonathan and Megan made it to Boston on Tuesday evening (they arrived home before I returned from CA). We are so happy to have them here. It is hard to believe that they are not leaving to return to LA. They are now homeowners in Somerville upon signing their names about 100 times on Friday. They are very excited about their new home. We are excited to have them nearby.
I had a safe and restful trip to CA last Sunday-Tuesday. I had a wonderful visit and dinner on Sunday evening with Megan’s parents, Jack and Margaret. We need to remember to pray for them as they adjust to their daughter and son both leaving CA this year. Margaret is a flight attendant with a base out of NJ and NY so, hopefully, she will be visiting us all soon. Jack’s brother, Keith and his wife, Paula did an excellent job at winterizing the house. I think I will go away more often. Jack can now relax that many of his chores prior to the snow flying are completed.
So many of you continue to send your thoughts and prayers for which we are so thankful. I attended an MIT dinner last evening celebrating the birthday of one of Jack’s colleagues, Ken Smith. Many people came to me wanting to know so many things about how we are doing. I can honestly say that we are doing all things by the grace of God. This experience illuminates our frailty and our dependence on the Lord moment by moment. We are all in the palm of His hands and I can think of no better place to be. The MIT group is a very special family for which we are happy to be part.
Early on, Jack described how he felt that his cup was overflowing. One of his high school classmates, Carolyn Campbell, recently sent him a card and poem that I think appropriately describes where we are at the moment. As a child in particular, growing up in the South, you are taught to cool your hot chocolate or coffee by pouring it into the saucer. Jack and I both have this childhood memory. Here is the poem.
Drinking From a Saucer (A farmer’s thoughts)
I’ve never made a fortune
And it’s probably too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much.
I’m happy anyhow.
As I go along life’s journey
I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has over flowed.
Ain’t got a lot of riches.
Sometimes the going is rough.
But I have children that love me.
That makes me rich enough.
I just thank God for His blessings,
And the mercy He has bestowed/
I’m drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has over flowed.
And I remember times when things went wrong
And my faith got a little thin.
But then all at once the dark clouds broke
And the old sun broke through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe
About the tough rows I have hoed.
I’m drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed.
And if God gives me the strength and courage
When the way gets steep and rough.
I won’t ask for other blessings.
I’m already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy
To help another bear his load.
Then I’ll be drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed.
Our cup has overflowed daily by God’s grace,
Carolyn and Jack
UPDATE
Here we are with 2 days and counting until we are coming to the completion of our daily treks into the radiation lab at MGH. When we were first told of the need for these trips, my mind couldn’t imagine the challenge of that daily experience. Now that it is coming to an end, I still cannot imagine the challenge of that daily experience. I knew it would be tiring; I just didn’t know how tiring. It is also amazing how long it takes to adjust to a different pattern in your life. We continue to be most thankful that Jack has tolerated the treatment so well. He never experienced nausea with the chemotherapy. He has experienced fatigue with the radiation but only a 1-2 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the most fatigue. The Lord has so patiently and tenderly carried us through the first phase of treatment. It makes us so know that He is the potter and we are the clay. Isaiah 64:8 – “Yet O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” We are so indebted to His mercy.
We met with the radiologist, Dr. Shih, on Friday. She informed us that it is likely that Jack will continue to deteriorate over the next 2-3 months due to the radiation effects. As I mentioned in the last update, it is likely that his next scan will also look worse due to the inflammation to the blood vessels from the radiation. She also told us that it will likely be months before we know the true effect of the initial treatment. On November 16, he will have his first scan since his treatment began. We also meet with the Lahey Clinic medical team that day to outline the next phase of treatment. It will likely be 5 days/month of the chemotherapy that he is currently taking except it will be a much stronger dose. Generally, this regime will last for 6 months as long as he tolerates it and then another evaluation will be completed to determine Phase 3.
Since Jack has tolerated all of his medications so well and his treatment has progressed so smoothly, we have eliminated certain medications since early onset of treatment. We are now reducing the steroid that reduces the swelling. All of these medications have side effects. It is like a domino effect. One medication is prescribed to reduce swelling (steroid). Another treatment is prescribed to prevent bone erosion due to the steroid, etc. It takes 10 minutes each morning to organize all of these pills for the day. Amazing!
Jack continues to maintain his sense of humor. For those of you that don’t realize this about Jack, he loves coffee, especially espresso. I think we have tried the world’s espresso makers. When we have traveled in Europe, one of our many shopping experiences usually involves a trip to a coffee store that sells coffee makers. Since Jack became ill, I got him a machine that I just fill with water. He opens the handle, drops in the little cup that contains the coffee grounds, hits a button, and viola – coffee!!! One morning recently, I was adjusting his arm sling (prevents hand swelling due to the arm not moving) and he informed me that his coffee has gotten a little cooled off (Jack also likes extremely hot coffee). He requested that I heat his coffee for 20 seconds in the microwave. As I was doing this, I told him that if he did not survive this tumor that I was burying him with some coffee – he immediately responded by saying, “make it espresso”!!!
Thankfully and joyfully, Jonathan and Megan made it to Boston on Tuesday evening (they arrived home before I returned from CA). We are so happy to have them here. It is hard to believe that they are not leaving to return to LA. They are now homeowners in Somerville upon signing their names about 100 times on Friday. They are very excited about their new home. We are excited to have them nearby.
I had a safe and restful trip to CA last Sunday-Tuesday. I had a wonderful visit and dinner on Sunday evening with Megan’s parents, Jack and Margaret. We need to remember to pray for them as they adjust to their daughter and son both leaving CA this year. Margaret is a flight attendant with a base out of NJ and NY so, hopefully, she will be visiting us all soon. Jack’s brother, Keith and his wife, Paula did an excellent job at winterizing the house. I think I will go away more often. Jack can now relax that many of his chores prior to the snow flying are completed.
So many of you continue to send your thoughts and prayers for which we are so thankful. I attended an MIT dinner last evening celebrating the birthday of one of Jack’s colleagues, Ken Smith. Many people came to me wanting to know so many things about how we are doing. I can honestly say that we are doing all things by the grace of God. This experience illuminates our frailty and our dependence on the Lord moment by moment. We are all in the palm of His hands and I can think of no better place to be. The MIT group is a very special family for which we are happy to be part.
Early on, Jack described how he felt that his cup was overflowing. One of his high school classmates, Carolyn Campbell, recently sent him a card and poem that I think appropriately describes where we are at the moment. As a child in particular, growing up in the South, you are taught to cool your hot chocolate or coffee by pouring it into the saucer. Jack and I both have this childhood memory. Here is the poem.
Drinking From a Saucer (A farmer’s thoughts)
I’ve never made a fortune
And it’s probably too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much.
I’m happy anyhow.
As I go along life’s journey
I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has over flowed.
Ain’t got a lot of riches.
Sometimes the going is rough.
But I have children that love me.
That makes me rich enough.
I just thank God for His blessings,
And the mercy He has bestowed/
I’m drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has over flowed.
And I remember times when things went wrong
And my faith got a little thin.
But then all at once the dark clouds broke
And the old sun broke through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe
About the tough rows I have hoed.
I’m drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed.
And if God gives me the strength and courage
When the way gets steep and rough.
I won’t ask for other blessings.
I’m already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy
To help another bear his load.
Then I’ll be drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed.
Our cup has overflowed daily by God’s grace,
Carolyn and Jack
Saturday, October 20, 2007
October 20, 2007
UPDATE
This is the first update in over a week. We have such a blog following that I thought I better update it so the emails and phone calls will be satisfied. We do appreciate all of you caring enough to follow our lives. I have lots of good news to share (that is what happens when it is spread out).
Last Sunday, Jack wanted to visit his office and pick up a couple of books that he wanted. This is the first time he has requested going anywhere since our events began. I was delighted to take him. Our dear friend, and Nano-C’s CEO, Viktor Veijins was there preparing for a meeting that evening. It was a delightful experience to see the smiles and embrace of two grown men. Jack did not stay long. After being in the car for some time in our short excursion, he had some balance difficulty after getting out of the car when we arrived home. It initially appeared that he was going to topple backwards somewhat. I was right behind him. I told him that I was at his back as I supported him with my hands. Jack immediately said, “the backing of a good wife is indispensable”. I replied that if it took all of this experience for him to understand that, we had made real progress. We both had a good laugh at his quick humor. He keeps me on my toes.
Jack’s treatments are drawing to a close. We have 7 more trips to MGH. His last treatment is October 30. We are both counting the days, me more than him, I think. I remarked recently about how we were almost finished and how much I was looking forward to that day, he said yes, but as long as we are doing this trek, we know we are doing something. I assured him that the treatment is not over, it just evolves into another phase. He continues to tolerate them very well. We have truly been blessed. His blood counts have remained unchanged so there has been no deterioration of platelets and white cells. He has no nausea just some mild fatigue. His paralysis has not worsened. On Wednesday of this week, he was able to move his left arm a few inches while the physical therapist was working with him. Needless to say, it was very emotional. Like Jack, he did not relate the story to me until the next morning. (He had tenure at MIT and an endowed chair for 2 weeks before he remembered to tell me.) He is greatly improving in this regard. It gives you an idea as to how momentous this event was. When he did tell me, he broke down and whispered to me that it was a flicker of hope. The overwhelming magnitude of this experience cannot be measured on any scale for any of us. The best part of all of this experience is that it brings to mind so clearly how the events of our lives are in the hands of our merciful Lord. It makes me think of Psalm 52:8-9:
“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God:
I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.
I will praise you forever for what you have done;
In your name I will hope for your name is good.
I will praise you in the presence of your saints.”
Jack had a wonderful 70th birthday. He had a multitude of well wishes from around the world. It began on Sunday with a wonderful time of fellowship and prayer with our Bible study group, the Howells and Domenicas. On his special day, October 16, he had balloons, birthday cakes, edible bouquets, cards, phone calls, flowers, books, letters, food, and visitors from Germany. I stayed home from work to enjoy this special day, his 70th birthday, with him. Our dear friends from Germany, the Wersborgs, arrived in time for a dinner in the early evening. Jack was overwhelmed by the many ways people showed him how loved he is. He was most grateful to have it concluded. He is never one to have so much “ado”. For me, it was a living testimony of his impact on those who have been blessed to have him in their lives, most of all me.
Our challenges with MGH continue. We finally got the remainder of the Chemo via FedEx on Tuesday just in time for his treatment on Wednesday. We met with the vacationing nurse on Wednesday. She had not received any blood work since September 24 (date she probably left). Remember, they only accept faxes. I assured her that multiples have been sent. I suggested that maybe MGH might want to come into the 21st Century. Microsoft and MIT, I challenge you to get a project going over there to bring this place up to the 20th Century (forget the 21st Century).
I let the nurse know that we were transferring our care to Lahey Clinic and that I would like all of Jack’s medical records sent to them. We had to go to another person to complete the paperwork for that request. After completing it, the lady asked me if I had a fax (I thought this was odd); I said yes. At this point, she said, then you can fax it to medical records. I explained that I was very busy and wasn’t this something she could handle. She reluctantly agreed to send the fax. When we got home, she had faxed the request to me!!!!!Ugh!!! Nothing should surprise me anymore. I guess I keep hoping for the unexpected! I AM DEFINITELY NOT THROUGH OVER THERE. I AM COLLECTING NAMES TO CONTACT ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCES AT THAT HOSPITAL. I would likely never consider care at MGH. I often wonder how many blunders are made there. I have a neighbor consulting for them. She describes the place as CHAOS. That is putting it mildly!
Jonathan and Megan are on “The Road”. They have described “The Road” as not for sissies, only the strong. They have encountered many beautiful scenes, blizzards, deer herds, mountains, plains, and stretches and stretches of “Road”. As of today, they were in Iowa. From this point on, they are staying with friends and relatives along the way. Their goal is to arrive here in the evening of October 24. They pass papers on their condo on October 25. We will soon be celebrating their arrival, the Lord willing.
This weekend, Jack’s brother and sister-in-law have returned. They wanted to know what they could do to help us out. I have a meeting in CA on Monday so I asked them if they could come and stay with Jack so I could attend the meeting. They agreed for which I am most grateful. I hope to relax and have a change of scenery. I plan to have dinner with Megan’s parents, Jack and Margaret Coleman, tomorrow evening. They live in Orange Co., not far from LA. I look forward to visiting with them. It will be very good for all of us. They have been so wonderful in their care, comfort, and prayers for us. I have suggested that I may have a one way ticket! Maybe someday, but not this trip.
We remain trusting that the Lord will continue to sustain us. Psalm 73 gives us much comfort. The best part of these events in our lives can be summarized in Psalm 73:28:
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of your wonderful deeds.”
I have many wonderful emails and letters to add to the blog upon my return but for now, this is the latest.
With deep gratitude,
Carolyn
UPDATE
This is the first update in over a week. We have such a blog following that I thought I better update it so the emails and phone calls will be satisfied. We do appreciate all of you caring enough to follow our lives. I have lots of good news to share (that is what happens when it is spread out).
Last Sunday, Jack wanted to visit his office and pick up a couple of books that he wanted. This is the first time he has requested going anywhere since our events began. I was delighted to take him. Our dear friend, and Nano-C’s CEO, Viktor Veijins was there preparing for a meeting that evening. It was a delightful experience to see the smiles and embrace of two grown men. Jack did not stay long. After being in the car for some time in our short excursion, he had some balance difficulty after getting out of the car when we arrived home. It initially appeared that he was going to topple backwards somewhat. I was right behind him. I told him that I was at his back as I supported him with my hands. Jack immediately said, “the backing of a good wife is indispensable”. I replied that if it took all of this experience for him to understand that, we had made real progress. We both had a good laugh at his quick humor. He keeps me on my toes.
Jack’s treatments are drawing to a close. We have 7 more trips to MGH. His last treatment is October 30. We are both counting the days, me more than him, I think. I remarked recently about how we were almost finished and how much I was looking forward to that day, he said yes, but as long as we are doing this trek, we know we are doing something. I assured him that the treatment is not over, it just evolves into another phase. He continues to tolerate them very well. We have truly been blessed. His blood counts have remained unchanged so there has been no deterioration of platelets and white cells. He has no nausea just some mild fatigue. His paralysis has not worsened. On Wednesday of this week, he was able to move his left arm a few inches while the physical therapist was working with him. Needless to say, it was very emotional. Like Jack, he did not relate the story to me until the next morning. (He had tenure at MIT and an endowed chair for 2 weeks before he remembered to tell me.) He is greatly improving in this regard. It gives you an idea as to how momentous this event was. When he did tell me, he broke down and whispered to me that it was a flicker of hope. The overwhelming magnitude of this experience cannot be measured on any scale for any of us. The best part of all of this experience is that it brings to mind so clearly how the events of our lives are in the hands of our merciful Lord. It makes me think of Psalm 52:8-9:
“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God:
I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.
I will praise you forever for what you have done;
In your name I will hope for your name is good.
I will praise you in the presence of your saints.”
Jack had a wonderful 70th birthday. He had a multitude of well wishes from around the world. It began on Sunday with a wonderful time of fellowship and prayer with our Bible study group, the Howells and Domenicas. On his special day, October 16, he had balloons, birthday cakes, edible bouquets, cards, phone calls, flowers, books, letters, food, and visitors from Germany. I stayed home from work to enjoy this special day, his 70th birthday, with him. Our dear friends from Germany, the Wersborgs, arrived in time for a dinner in the early evening. Jack was overwhelmed by the many ways people showed him how loved he is. He was most grateful to have it concluded. He is never one to have so much “ado”. For me, it was a living testimony of his impact on those who have been blessed to have him in their lives, most of all me.
Our challenges with MGH continue. We finally got the remainder of the Chemo via FedEx on Tuesday just in time for his treatment on Wednesday. We met with the vacationing nurse on Wednesday. She had not received any blood work since September 24 (date she probably left). Remember, they only accept faxes. I assured her that multiples have been sent. I suggested that maybe MGH might want to come into the 21st Century. Microsoft and MIT, I challenge you to get a project going over there to bring this place up to the 20th Century (forget the 21st Century).
I let the nurse know that we were transferring our care to Lahey Clinic and that I would like all of Jack’s medical records sent to them. We had to go to another person to complete the paperwork for that request. After completing it, the lady asked me if I had a fax (I thought this was odd); I said yes. At this point, she said, then you can fax it to medical records. I explained that I was very busy and wasn’t this something she could handle. She reluctantly agreed to send the fax. When we got home, she had faxed the request to me!!!!!Ugh!!! Nothing should surprise me anymore. I guess I keep hoping for the unexpected! I AM DEFINITELY NOT THROUGH OVER THERE. I AM COLLECTING NAMES TO CONTACT ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCES AT THAT HOSPITAL. I would likely never consider care at MGH. I often wonder how many blunders are made there. I have a neighbor consulting for them. She describes the place as CHAOS. That is putting it mildly!
Jonathan and Megan are on “The Road”. They have described “The Road” as not for sissies, only the strong. They have encountered many beautiful scenes, blizzards, deer herds, mountains, plains, and stretches and stretches of “Road”. As of today, they were in Iowa. From this point on, they are staying with friends and relatives along the way. Their goal is to arrive here in the evening of October 24. They pass papers on their condo on October 25. We will soon be celebrating their arrival, the Lord willing.
This weekend, Jack’s brother and sister-in-law have returned. They wanted to know what they could do to help us out. I have a meeting in CA on Monday so I asked them if they could come and stay with Jack so I could attend the meeting. They agreed for which I am most grateful. I hope to relax and have a change of scenery. I plan to have dinner with Megan’s parents, Jack and Margaret Coleman, tomorrow evening. They live in Orange Co., not far from LA. I look forward to visiting with them. It will be very good for all of us. They have been so wonderful in their care, comfort, and prayers for us. I have suggested that I may have a one way ticket! Maybe someday, but not this trip.
We remain trusting that the Lord will continue to sustain us. Psalm 73 gives us much comfort. The best part of these events in our lives can be summarized in Psalm 73:28:
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of your wonderful deeds.”
I have many wonderful emails and letters to add to the blog upon my return but for now, this is the latest.
With deep gratitude,
Carolyn
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